AN: Yes, I'm alive. I know it's been a very long time, but I haven't forgotten about this story. Thank you kakashiluver for being an awesome editor. I wouldn't had improved on my writing if it wasn't for your wisdom. Enjoy everyone!
UniversalGoddess
"Grandfather!" Tsuki yelled urgently. "I'm coming!"
She gazed at the purple sky and watched as long dark black clouds began to form across the full moon. The clouds blocked the moon's light as she ran towards her grandfather.
She watched in horror as her classmates from school began to walk toward her in a strange manner. They moaned in agony, dragging their feet as they crossed through the grass, raising their hands high into the air.
Before she knew it, she was surrounded and nearly trapped. She quickly pushed through them as they advanced upon her. She dodged their slow hands easily as they tried to grab onto her.
"Grandfather!" She yelled in desperation. She was almost there. Just a few more steps.
Tsuki came to an abrupt stop, horrified with the sight in front of her.
Grandfather Saito was on his knees while two zombies restrained his arms. His head was low as fresh blood leaked down to his body. His miko outfit that was usually in pristine condition now had rips and tears with multiple blood splatter stains.
Standing in front of him was the Devil himself, Hiei, gripping the sword that was now dripping with her grandfather's blood.
Hiei's shirt was torn and ripped and he looked like he had been through a rough tumble. It was obvious her grandfather had put up a great fight. Hiei was littered with marks himself, she was sure that he was covered in not her grandfather's blood, but his own.
"Grandfather! Get up!" She screamed.
"Why Tsuki? I believed in you. You could have stopped this." Her grandfather said as he slowly lifted his head up, tears rolling down his face.
"Grandfather, forgive me! Hiei! Let him go!" Her voice was hoarse from screaming. She had never screamed so loud in her life.
The fire demon laughed, spreading his lips into a malicious grin. "It's over, priestess. I won. After I'm finished with him, it's your turn!"
"No!" She extended her arms out.
Suddenly, two zombies from behind immediately grabbed her.
She tried to pull her arms forward, however their tight grip forcibly pulled her arms backwards.
"Let me go!" She could feel her arms getting weak.
She continued to widely move her legs until a firm grip grabbed her face.
Tsuki tried to desperately pull her head away but their ice cold fingers forced her to look up.
"K-Keiko?" She was unrecognizable. The school uniform was covered in dirt. Her brown hair tangled and messy. And most importantly, Tsuki quickly noticed dark lifeless eyes staring blankly at her brown ones.
"Keiko, are y-" her question was cut short as her friend punched her in the abdomen.
"Ugh!" The priestess felt the air exit out of her body in a sudden rush.
Hiei laughed again. "Don't worry, priestess. Your grandfather will be an excellent pawn in my army."
"...Grandfather...run!" Tsuki shouted once the pain subsided. If she couldn't escape, then at least he could survive this horrible ordeal.
She spotted Grandfather Saito closing his eyes. His head raised high, straightening his back.
"You failed the Saito Tribe, Tsuki. You couldn't defeat him or his army. Unfortunately, neither could I. For that reason, I must go."
"Are these your last words, old man?" Hiei raised his sword high in the air.
"Yes, do as you please demon. I have no regrets."
"LET ME GO!" Tsuki tried to break free again. "Don't do this!"
Grandfather Saito didn't even bother to open his eyes again. "Goodbye, granddaughter."
"Very well!"
With no further hesitation, Hiei slashed the sword across her grandfather's chest.
"GRANDFATHER!" She screamed.
Grandfather Saito's body slumped down on the grass.
"It's over, priestess. The Human World is mine now!"
This is all my fault! If only I had the power to stop him!
Her negative thoughts were cut short as Hiei looked down and grinned evilly at her.
"Now, it's your turn."
"No!" Before she could try to resist, Keiko slapped her hard. The sting on her face didn't hurt as much as her best friend actually hitting her.
"Like I said before, priestess. I'll always win. Your ability is nowhere near my power!" Hiei stabbed her right in the chest.
Tsuki jerked. She couldn't talk or move. All she could hear was Hiei's laughter as her soul slowly faded away into complete darkness.
"Tsuki, wake up!"
The young priestess eyes shot open. She quickly lifted herself up and sat on the couch. It took her a minute to realize she had a nightmare. The vision felt so real.
She jumped a little when Botan touched her shoulder.
"Breathe, Tsuki. Breathe."
Tsuki nodded. Each deep breath slowly put her heart back into a slow rhythm.
"I'm glad you're okay. I was so worried! You were muttering a lot in your sleep," the grim reaper explained. "Let me get you some water!" She got up and ran to the kitchen.
While Botan was rummaging through the cabinet, Tsuki slowly got up, observing her surroundings. Everything was spotless except the multiple used cigarettes that were in the ashtray on the wooden table. Right next to it was a picture of an unsmiling Yusuke in his school uniform.
Last time she was here, Keiko revived Yusuke by kissing him on the lips. It felt so long even though it had only been two weeks.
What was she doing here? How did she get in his living room?
Tsuki touched her forehead. The last thing she remembered before blacking out was battling Hiei. With his swift movements, the fire demon had the upper hand until he heard human voices. Not trying to cause a scene, he immediately dashed away while she remained unconscious.
"Here you go!" Botan returned from the kitchen and gave her the glass of water.
Tsuki opened her dry mouth and gulped down the water quickly, not realizing how thirsty she actually was.
"Thank you Botan. How long was I out?"
"For a few hours. Luckily you and Yusuke didn't have any serious injuries."
Tsuki eyes widened. "What happened to Yusuke? Is he alright?"
"He's in his room asleep. Goki was only able to twist his back, causing a strain in his muscle."
Tsuki put the glass on the table and got up from the couch. Before she could take a step, the living room started to spin. She tried to walk again but her legs began to shake uncontrollably.
Botan immediately grabbed her before she could lose her balance. She steady her position. "Careful! You just woke up. Take it slow. Here lean on me." With Botan's help, Tsuki made her way towards Yusuke's room.
In his room, Yusuke was in a deep slumber. There were multiple scratches on his face with a patch on his right cheek. Despite the wounds, Tsuki noticed he was breathing regularly.
It was a miracle he didn't die. Since the beginning, Yusuke had always been a lucky boy. Tsuki wondered if his luck would ever run out.
"Thank goodness Atsuko wasn't here when we came in. She would've fainted from the sight of Yusuke's unconscious body," Botan stated. "What happened back there?"
Tsuki glanced at the floor. "The thieves got into an argument. We tried to confront them, but they decided to split up. Yusuke was battling Goki, I went after Hiei. I lost. He almost had me if it wasn't for my spirit animal. He left when he heard people coming. Was that you?"
"Yes, I was able to find you guys with the demon detector. Yusuke was the first one that I spotted. After Goki left him alone, I ran to find you. Your spirit animal assisted me by carrying you and Yusuke to the car before disappearing. She's beautiful. What's her name?"
"Inari."
"Wonderful, I believed Lord Koenma told me about her before. That's amazing you can summon her. Your tribe definitely has powerful spiritual abilities."
Unfortunately, my powers weren't enough. Tsuki felt frustrated at her lack of abilities. Instead, she said, "I should head back to the shrine."
Her feet started to wobble again.
Botan quickly grabbed her arm as they headed towards the living room. "I'll take you home. You're still too weak, and I don't want you out there alone. The thieves could be anywhere!"
"You're right. I need to rest and regain my strength. This fight isn't over."
Tsuki sat back down on the couch while Botan took a pen and paper out of the living room dresser.
"Let me write a note to Atsuko. Just in case she comes back early."
"While you do that. I'll let my grandfather know that I'm on my way." Tsuki took her phone from her pocket and dialed his number.
"Tsuki, where are you? Are you hurt? Do you need me to come get you?" Despite his calm voice, she could tell that he was worried.
"Grandfather, I'm sorry for not checking up. I'm okay. Botan is going to give me a ride back to the shrine."
"Very well. I'll be waiting in the honden."
"Alright, I'll see you soon." Tsuki ended the call.
"What did your grandfather say?" Botan asked after she elegantly signed her name on the paper.
"He'll wait for me at the honden. He doesn't seem angry but I'm afraid my grandfather would be disappointed."
"What? Why would you say that?"
"I didn't retrieve the treasures. Plus, Yusuke got injured. It's all my fault. If only we just listened to you, we probably would have had a better chance."
Botan got up and wrapped her arms around Tsuki's shoulders, giving her a tight embrace. "Don't beat yourself up. This mission is an A rank. We just need to move forward and figure out a better plan."
The priestess leaned her head back against the grim reaper's shoulders, closing her tired eyes. She couldn't give up hope, but she couldn't help but think would they ever be capable of ending this fight? She honestly didn't know the answer.
"Grandfather, I'm sorry," Tsuki's head was so low from bowing, her forehead could feel the coldness from the hard wooden floor. "It was a disaster. Nothing went as planned. The thieves got away and Yusuke and I barely survived our fight."
"Yusuke? How did he get involved?" He was still sitting in the exact spot when she had entered the honden early in the morning.
"Koenma asked him to help us as a last minute decision. Unfortunately he lost the battle to Goki. He's fine now. Botan came just in time to stop them." She lowered her head even more. Now the tip of her nose was touching the floor. "Forgive me for being so foolish."
Tsuki only heard the sound of her rapid heart beat for a few seconds. Suddenly, footsteps started coming closer and closer.
"Granddaughter, get up."
No choice but to obey, she gulped and got up. Maybe he wanted to see her defeated face when he scolded her.
Instead, he firmly squeezed her shoulder. "How are you? Are you hurt?"
Tsuki sighed and bit her lip. "I'm fine. However, I wasn't able to defeat Hiei. He broke my barrier and almost captured me. Luckily, Inari was there to protect me."
Grandfather Saito nodded and dropped his hand. "That's good you were able to summon Inari. That means you have a close relationship with her. It'll get stronger over time. You did the best that you can. Tomorrow will be another day to catch them."
Tsuki dropped her shoulders. "Grandfather, I feel worthless. I barely got a scratch in. How am I supposed to stop them? You and the Human World will suffer if we lose again."
"Granddaughter, were you able to defend yourself and summon Inari?"
"Yes bu-"
"Then you're ready. In the Human World, our powers are different. In order to become vigorous, we have to face many trials and tribulations. It takes months, if not years to master our power. Everyone, including our tribe has to struggle in order to become the best that we can be. Even though Yusuke doesn't come from our clan, he has strong spiritual abilities. That's why Lord Koenma is so keen on him. With the proper training, he can become a great warrior. And do you think I was perfect? Tsuki, I was a hot head growing up. Your great grandfather and grandmother, bless their souls, thought I was too arrogant with my powers."
"You never told me this." The young priestess was surprised to hear a snippet of her grandfather's youth.
Granddaughter Saito crossed his arms. "There's a lot of things I didn't tell you, granddaughter. What do you expect? I took pride in everything that we stand for. It wasn't until I was sixteen when I went to the Dark tournament that I learned to calm myself down. By the time I came home, my parents thought I was a different man."
"The Dark tournament? That's when you fought alongside Genkai-sensei. Can you tell me more about it?"
"That's for another time, Tsuki," His eyes darkened. "The Dark tournament is brutal. I had to deal with a lot of spiritual conflicts. You'll see the true darkness of every human, demon, and spiritual being. Now, clean yourself up and rest. Tomorrow is another day."
"Yes, grandfather." She needed a hot shower. She was sticky from sweat and she was sure she didn't smell nice either.
Before she could head to her room, Grandfather Saito spoke again.
"Keiko came by and dropped off your homework. I left it in your room. She said to give it to Tanaka-sensei by Friday."
Tsuki nodded and bowed. "I'll look at it before I head to bed. Goodnight grandfather."
"Goodnight granddaughter." He bowed back. "You've done very well. Even if you don't feel like it."
The first thing Tsuki noticed in her tidy room was flowers laying on her desk. There were maybe about a dozen or so there. They were vibrant red with beautiful petals sprouting.
She picked them up carefully, afraid she might damage them. As she inhaled the sweet scent, she read the white note card.
Hey Tsuki, hope you feel better! Here's some chrysanthemums to brighten up your day! Call me when you're feeling better! :)
Love,
Keiko
The young priestess put the flowers back down and dialed her friend's number.
"Hey Tsuki, how are you?" Keiko quickly answered on the first ring. "Sensei told me you called out sick today."
"Yeah, I'm just feeling under the weather but I'm doing okay," Tsuki explained, adding the raspiness in her voice to feign illness. Luckily she didn't have to try too hard. "Thanks for dropping off my homework. How was school today?"
"School was nice. However, Yusuke ditched today after Iwagoto-sensei falsely accused him of stealing stuff from our classmates. Turns out it was him all along. I swear people have no morals these days."
"Well, I'm glad he was able to prove his innocence."
"Yeah after I dropped off your stuff, I tried to call him to see if he was okay. No reply. I left messages but he still hasn't gotten back to me. I'm worried. I don't want him to keep ditching school. He just came back from the dead! Weird as it sounds. Probably won't ever get over it," she paused. "Have you spoken to him lately?"
Now it was Tsuki's turn to be silent. She didn't like lying to Keiko, but after dealing with the thieves, this was the best way to protect her. "No I haven't, but I'm sure he's okay."
"You're right. He'll come back eventually. Hopefully, he'll be in school tomorrow. Are you coming?"
"I don't know. I'm still feeling under the weather. I'll let you know by tomorrow morning."
"Alright, get some rest. I'll talk to you soon."
"Kay, thanks. Goodnight Keiko."
After ending the call, Tsuki's phone vibrated. It was a new text from Botan.
Botan [10:29:26]: Atsuko came back! I managed to tell her a decent lie and she fell for it ^^; Headin to the Spirit Wrld. Be back in the morning! Have a wonderful night, you did great today~
Tsuki [10:30:02]: Thnx Botan, heading 2 bed. Call me ASAP when ur back!
Before heading to clean herself up, she gave the flowers one last sniff. The scent of the chrysanthemums immediately calmed her anxiety down, and she smiled feeling grateful that she had a considerate friend. She knew that she would find the strength to battle once more.
"Granddaughter," Grandfather Saito kept pounding on the door. "Wake up."
Tsuki tossed and turned. Five more minutes. She just needed five more minutes of sleep.
She could hear her grandfather pounding the door even harder. "I know you hear me, granddaughter. Get up."
Knowing that it was urgent, Tsuki immediately got up. She took a breather before dragging herself to the door.
"Yes?"
"Get dressed and come downstairs immediately." He casually headed downstairs. "I'll be in the living room."
"Okay," Once she closed her door, Tsuki rushed towards her dresser.
Not bothering to wear her priestess outfit, she picked out a red t-shirt and black leggings, running to the bathroom while taking off her pajamas.
It took her three minutes to finish brushing her teeth and washing her face. The final touch was putting her long black hair into a high ponytail.
After putting on her socks, she grabbed her tennis shoes and green jacket from her closet and hurried downstairs.
"Grandfather, what's-" Tsuki silenced herself as her grandfather raised his hand and pointed towards their small television that was showing the local news.
"Watch."
Tsuki patiently watched the weather, sports, and some entertainment. However, when they showed the health crisis in Tokyo, she finally stood up. "Why did y-"
"Now we have special news in the T-zone district!" The anchorman stated. "A few children have contacted a strange disease in the neighborhood schools and parks of district 11 and 12. All have been submitted to the hospital. No leads but police presume it's a poisonous outbreak. Everyone, especially young children, please take precaution while coming and playing outside."
Tsuki gasped. There was no doubt about it. Goki was in their district. "That demon. He has no shame."
Grandfather Saito turned the television off. "The ogre is in the season of hunger. He won't stop until he devours all the children in our neighborhood."
Tsuki's phone began to ring. She felt a sudden relief once she checked the caller I.D.
"Yusuke! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. I just woke up and Botan explained everything. That bastard Goki is still taking souls from little children," Yusuke exclaimed. "He's in our neighborhood right now!"
"I know. I didn't expect to fight him so soon. Are you still at home? I'm on my way."
"No need. Botan and I will pick you up. Be ready in 10 mins. No, make it 5!"
"Alright, I'll meet you at the bottom of the staircase."
"Grandfather! I have to go! Don't worry, we'll beat him. The children's souls will be safe." She meant every word.
"Of course, you're a Saito. We're the saviors of the Human World."
Tsuki nodded and rushed out the door. As she sprinted downstairs, she felt adrenaline rushing through her body. With her new profound energy, it took her seconds to make it down the stairs.
Just as she took her last stair step, Botan parked the car.
Tsuki quickly hopped in. "What's the plan?"
"The plan?" Yusuke turned to her with wild eyes. His hair was everywhere and he was wearing the same clothes from yesterday. "We kick his ass. That's the plan!"
She sighed. "I don't want us to rush in like we did yesterday. We almost died."
"Not going to happen again," He lifted his index finger, showing off a gold spiked ring. "Botan gave me this. I couldn't use it yesterday since I shot Iwagato first with my spirit gun. But this time I'm ready!"
"I've just checked the demon detector. Goki is about 10 minutes southward from here," Botan replied as she shifted the gear into drive. "Ring or not, Tsuki is right. We need a plan. Does he have a weakness, Yusuke?"
"Can't think of any. I was able to get two good punches. But when he transformed, his skin was rock hard. I could barely do any harm to him."
"He must have one. Even with the power of the ring, it won't be fatal, especially if he transforms. Our best bet is to distract him enough to find his weak spot."
"Right," Tsuki leaned forward. "Yesterday's battle taught us we can't do it alone. When we're together, we have a higher chance of winning. We only have one shot."
As soon as Botan stopped at a red light, she immediately checked the demon detector. "We're getting close. Tsuki, here guide me. I have to pay attention to the road."
Tsuki grabbed it and closed her eyes. "I can feel his energy and the children's souls. They're crying, desperately clinging to dear life. He must be near the playground. That's the closest thing around our neighborhood. Botan, just parked the car. We can find him on foot."
"Roger!" Botan pulled near the side of the street and turned off the engine.
Tsuki handed Botan the detector. "The park is two blocks from here. I'm sure he's near the jungle gym."
They jumped out of the car and ran towards the playground, Tsuki leading the way. It wasn't hard trailing his energy. The ogre was a pig. He was craving the children, drooling over the fact that he could get all of them. He knew no one could stop him. The feeling was making her nauseous.
The park was only filled with a few children. They laughed as they played hid-n-go seek around the playground.
"He's here!" Botan exclaimed. "The detector is going crazy!"
"Where is he?! If he was at the park, he would be feeding right now."
"He is here. He's just avoiding crowded areas."
While Botan continued to read the detector, Tsuki spotted a small trail 15 feet from the park.
"Let's walk into that trail." As they walked and went further inside, it didn't take long for them to spot the demon.
"He has another child!" Tsuki pointed at the giant who stood in the middle of the trail that was surrounded by countless lilac trees.
They watched as the little girl suddenly dropped to the ground.
"No!" Tsuki and Yusuke had both witnessed this before, watching helplessly as the white orb slowly floated out of the child's body into the air.
"He's going to eat her soul!" Yusuke stated. "Just like that boy! That bastard! Now he's really pissing me off!""
They ran as fast as they could but the gluttonous ogre had already grabbed the orb and swallowed it with one gulp.
Tsuki's bracelet transformed into her divine bells. She didn't have to concentrate this time. She knew the arrow would hit her target.
"Spirit arrow!" The arrow shot quickly towards Goki.
Goki, who was so focused on the poor girl, hadn't noticed the arrow hitting his mid back.
"Ahhh!" He stumbled forward.
"Bullseye!" Yusuke grinned. "Hey Goki! We came for another rematch!"
Goki ignored him and ripped off his white shirt that was already disintegrating. The cloth soon turned to ash as it landed on the grass.
The only damage they could see was thick discolored blisters on his back.
"That burned!" The giant ogre spun around, pulsing veins forming on his forehead. "Didn't I tell you to back off?! You're disrupting my breakfast!"
"Well I'm back for revenge. I couldn't resist another rematch, especially after you just happened to be in our neighborhood."
Tsuki stepped forward. "We're taking the orb back. You've done enough damage already."
Goki laughed. His pants ripped as his size began to drastically increase, revealing dark red skin and large teeth. "Girl, I'll do what I want when I want. Humans, especially you weaklings, aren't going to stop me. I'll continue to eat until there's no soul left. "
They continued to watch as his muscles began to grow double in size. Sharp horns expanding on his forehead. His tiny black strands of hair were now growing and covering his pumped up chest. He was truly a monster.
"Let's see if that arrow can do some damage now," Goki taunted. "To make it easy, I won't move an inch."
"Cocky aren't you?" Without wasting any time, Tsuki shot another spirit arrow towards his direction.
The ogre didn't even blink as it made contact with his body. "Ha! That tickled."
"I can see why you had a hard time, Yusuke." Tsuki muttered. "My arrow isn't doing any damage anymore."
Yusuke cracked his knuckles and walked slowly towards Goki. "Then it's my turn. Botan, stay back. Tsuki, have your spirit arrow ready and wait for my signal. I have a plan. Leave the fist fighting to me. It's pay back time. "
Goki continued to stand. "Give me your best shot kid."
The spirit detective sprinted towards him. His fist high in the air. "Take this!" The punch landed right into his chest.
Goki merely laughed as Yusuke winced in pain. "You're lucky you didn't break your hand. Now, I'll show you what a punch can do!"
He swung his right hand but he only made contact with the tree as the spirit detective successfully dodged his attack.
Thinking quickly, Yusuke picked up the tree branch and ran towards Goki. "Oh yeah? How about a big wooden stake!"
With one full swing, the branch was able to hit his stomach. However, Goki stood firm.
"I told you. It's pointless!" He lifted Yusuke up in the air and tossed him to the ground.
"Yusuke!" The girls yelled. They watched helplessly as Goki kicked him on the side, making him roll over.
"Ahhhhh!"
The ogre continued to stomp him.
"Ahhhhh!"
"Yes, there's something about your scream of pain that makes me want to keep torturing you. It's almost better than eating children's souls!"
"This isn't looking too well," Tsuki ran towards the spirit detective. "Yusuke!"
He lifted his hand. "Stay back!" He yelled in between his screams of pain. "Wait for my command!" He shouted.
"You heard him ladies. I'm not done with him yet!"
"That's it!" Botan screamed. She picked up the trunk that Yusuke grabbed to attack Goki. "I can't hold it much longer!"
"Botan! No!" Tsuki pleaded as Botan sprinted towards Goki.
The grim reaper ignored her and threw the branch on the back of the ogre's head.
"Ow!" Goki turned around. "Ugh! You!"
Botan shivered as he jumped practically 10ft in the air.
"Tsuki and Botan, run towards me!"
The girls dashed away and got behind Yusuke before Goki could land.
"Yusuke I-"
"Not yet, Tsuki. Trust me!"
"Yes, stay right there. There's no escape." Gōki grabbed the spirit detective's shirt and lifted him up, turning towards Tsuki and Botan. "First, I'll eat you. Then, I'll eat the girls. I'll definitely take my time on you, priestess. I love children but your blood is always a delicacy."
Gross. Tsuki aimed her divine bells at his head.
"Don't waste your energy. I've already won. Now, stay still. I'm going to eat your annoying friend first. Ah-bnfhrwhg."
Instead of Yusuke's head, Goki now had a thick branch stuck inside his mouth.
He smirked. "I was wondering when you were going to open your big sloppy mouth."
"Awhdfg,' the ogre frantically struggled to bite down the branch.
Yusuke aimed his index finger at his face. "You say you're rock solid on the outside. Yet, I bet your inside doesn't have the same concept. Now Tsuki, shoot your arrow inside his mouth!"
"Ok!" Tsuki moved to a certain angle and fired. "Yusuke duck your head!"
"Monster, meet spirit gun!" The spirit detective yelled, the blast escaping from his ring.
Goki stood motionless as blood started dripping from his mouth. "Ahhf…"
They waited to see if he'd strike. Instead, dozens of white orbs began flying from his insides.
"Look! The children's souls!" Botan yelled.
The white orbs swirl around them. Tsuki could sense that the souls were thanking them before scattering to their proper vessels.
After the last orb came from Goki's mouth, the demon instantly fell on the ground.
"Amazing!" Botan stated. "With the power of both spiritual energies, it was enough to defeat him."
"I had to make sure that the bastard stayed down." Yusuke picked up the Orb of Baast and slouched on the floor. He stared at the unconscious Goki. "Now what do we gonna do with his large ass body?"
"I'm making contact with the spiritual guards right now. They should be here any minute to take him away."
"You did wonderful, Yusuke," Tsuki complimented. She sat right next to him. "You're one lucky guy."
"You're not too shabby either. We make a great team!"
Tsuki smiled. Her grandfather was right. Yusuke had a lot to learn. Still, she knew he was ready to become a wonderful spirit detective.
"Goki is heading back to the Spirit World to face court and now we have the orb. One down, two more to go!" Botan cheerfully stated.
'I've got the feeling that the other two is going to be more difficult to defeat." Tsuki crossed her arms. "We don't even know their location."
"Lord Koenma is working on that right now. I'm sure he'll update us as soon as possible. Um Tsuki, who's that near your shrine?" Botan asked as she parked the car. She gasped when she recognized the face. "Oh no!"
"It's Kurama!" Yusuke unbuckled his seatbelt. "Damn it, I don't think I have the strength to challenge him today. Not after Goki gave me a good beating."
The red-haired boy turned towards their direction and waved.
Tsuki opened the door. "Well, we can't just sit here. He wants us to come out."
They strolled towards him cautiously. Tsuki stood in front while Botan supported Yusuke.
"I was waiting for you guys. I heard about Goki. I'm glad you stopped him before it got out of hand."
"What do you want?" Tsuki questioned, her divine bells were already in her hand. "How do you know the location of my shrine?"
Kurama raised his hands. "I didn't come here to fight. I came here to relay a message. Three days and I'll give you back the dark mirror."
"Three days? Why three days?"
"There's an important matter that I have to address. Please give me three days. Then I'll return myself and the dark mirror in."
"Alright," Yusuke agreed. "We'll give you three days."
"Are you sure we can trust him?" Botan anxiously whispered.
"No choice. Plus it'll give me time to heal if he betrays us."
"Where can we meet you in three days?" Tsuki inquired.
"Meiou hospital. Meet me outside around 5," Kurama turned to walk away. "Until then, have a good night."
Tsuki, Botan, and Yusuke stood still as Kurama disappeared
"The hospital? Why does he want us to meet him at the hospital?"
"Don't know," Tsuki squinted her eyes. "But come to think of it, I've seen his uniform before. He must be a student at Meiou high."
Yusuke shrugged. "Well, he'll reveal himself soon. All we can do now is wait."